Round 21 concludes in the west as Brisbane travel to Optus Stadium looking to keep ahold of third place on the AFL ladder. Can the Dockers cause another big upset? Or will the Lions bounce back from their QClash defeat?
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AFL Round 21 Preview & Betting Tips
Fremantle vs Brisbane
Sunday 4:40pm AEST, August 5th, Optus Stadium
For a second consecutive season Fremantle made the daunting trek to Kardinia Park and knocked off Geelong, producing a performance that reminded the competition of the capability of their side. A stoic performance from their back six put an end to a four game losing streak, in what has been a frustrating season for the Dockers.
Unlike Fremantle, Brisbane were on the wrong side of an upset as the Lions went down to their Queensland rivals. Brisbane were played off the park in the second half, conceding ten goals to three, in a defeat which leaves the Lions in third place only on percentage.
Brisbane will be forced into at least two changes with Oscar McInerney (ankle) and Keidean Coleman (face) confirmed outs for the Lions. Zac Bailey, Darcy Fort, Devin Robertson, Jaxon Prior and Tom Fullarton have been brought into the extended squad for Sunday’s clash.
It’s positive news on the selection front for the Dockers with no confirmed omissions as of yet. Brennan Cox, Michael Johnson and Nathan Wilson are in the frame after being named in the squad for Sunday’s fixture.
Chris Fagan will be backing his midfield to get back to its territory winning best after a poor outing last weekend. The Lions are the number one clearance team in the competition, and they ranked third for inside 50’s. Brisbane have been able to give their forwards plenty of opportunities this season, and it’s no surprise they’re the second highest scoring team in the competition.
Although there will be plenty of excitement after Fremantle’s gritty win, it’s clear to see that the brand of football the Dockers play isn’t sustainable. Fremantle have lost four of their last five games, and have failed to score more than 76 in all of those five games. If Brisbane's midfield can get on top and win the territory battle, Fremantle are going to struggle to kick a winning score.
The Lions have a strong record against Fremantle in recent seasons, winning four of their last five games against the Dockers by an average of 37 points.
Brisbane will be desperate to keep third place, and know that this game is crucial given Fremantle’s struggles this season. The Dockers don’t have the attacking firepower to keep up with the Lions, and if Fagan’s side can avoid being dragged into a dour slog, they should win convincingly.
Brisbane -13.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
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Lachie Neale 30+ Disposals: The Brisbane co-captain was held to just 17 disposals last week as Touk Miller took the former Brownlow medalist out of the game. Neale will be desperate to bounce back against his former side who he has recorded 35 and 31 disposals in his two games against his former side.
Josh Dunkley 25+ Disposals: Dunkley has become one of the Lions most crucial players this season, with the former Bulldogs recording 25 or more disposals in eight of his last ten matches. Dunkley picked up the slack whilst his teammates struggled, picking 30 disposals against the Suns.
Caleb Serong 25+ Disposals: Serong’s stellar 2023 continues, with the on baller averaging 30+ Disposals per game this season. Serong has recorded 27 and 31 disposals in his last two meetings against the Lions.
SGM Odds: $3 at BoomBet
